UConn volleyball looks to conquer Pioneers, Big East play follows

The Huskies travel to inner-state rival Sacred Heart Wednesday to play the Pioneers on their home turf. UConn is coming off the New England Challenge, where the Huskies volleyed against New England rivals Northeastern, Boston University, and Boston College. The Huskies went 2-1 over the weekend, defeating Harvard and Boston College in straight sets. Unfortunately, UConn was defeated in the title match by Northeastern, but still saw some great individual performances from some of their younger players. Freshmen, Erika Thomas and Marissa Prinzbach were each named to the all-tournament team. Marissa Prinzbach led the Huskies in assists once again as her marvelous freshmen campaign continues. Erika Thomas did most of her damage at the net as she brought her season block total to a team high 45. This will certainly provide some momentum going into Wednesday’s contest against Sacred Heart.

Sacred Heart defeated UConn early in the season last year 3-1, with a great performance from their senior Libero, Jessica Colberg, who dug 28 balls a season ago. The Huskies won the first set by a score of 25-21, but were defeated in the next three consecutive sets, the last with a score of 25-19. The Huskies saw great performances by some of their current players last season in this contest. Senior Mattison Quayle posted a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs, while Kelsey Maving dug 20 balls. Sophmore Devon Maugle had seven kills and 10 digs of her own in the effort. The Huskies hope these performances will carry over into the new year.

 However, the Pioneers are a much different team in 2012. The Pioneers have accomplished a record of only 2-11 thus far this season and are currently on a four game losing streak. They return many of their starters, but haven’t been able to piece together a string of wins as they bring their young players along. The Pioneers are lead in kills by their Sophmore, outside hitter, Allisa Young with 137. Freshmen Karly Shockey has been another standout for the young Pioneers as she has put up triple digits in both kills, with 107, and digs, with 105, already in this young season.

UConn hopes that their young players will be the difference makers in this game as they continue to improve upon their 8-6 winning record. The game will be held Wednesday in the William H. Pitt Center at 7:00 p.m. in Fairfield, Connecticut.